Prevention Info. for NIC Students and Employees

February 28, 2020

There is much information in the news regarding COVID-19 (a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness). It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the United States (U.S.).

Though the current risk of Coronavirus Disease infection in Idaho is low, NIC is adopting the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare “Recommendations for Idaho School Staffs and Administrations Procedures and Practices” specific to the Coronavirus.

What is NIC doing about COVID-19?

North Idaho College is in the preparedness phase with our primary focus on educating our campus community regarding awareness and prevention. Members of the NIC Emergency Management Team are in regular contact with our partners at Panhandle Health District and we are reviewing our emergency response plans. A core group of individuals representing various areas of NIC are meeting next week to coordinate Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) and improve our existing plans to prepare for and respond to any future influenza pandemic.

There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in North Idaho. There are four cases in a special infectious disease unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane that have not been exposed to the community. There are no special protective actions or orders currently in place for our region.

Standard well-being behaviors such as hand-washing with soap and water, covering coughs with disposable tissues, and limiting exposure to work or class if you have a fever are recommended for all members of the NIC community.

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus. The most effective prevention at this time is to avoid exposure. You can visit the CDC "What You Should Do" Website for detailed information. A summary of this information is below.

The CDC recommends the following actions to minimize your risks:

• Stay informed and up-to-date by monitoring the CDC website.
• Get vaccinated for influenza (the flu) and other respiratory diseases.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - dry hands with a paper towel, and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a bent arm or tissue (throw away tissue) and wash hands afterwards.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Refrain from physical greetings (i.e. handshakes and hugs)
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, cosmetics or personal care items (lip balm, eye drops, etc.).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you think you are sick, call your primary care provider first for assistance.
• Stay home when you are sick – at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
  

For additional information, please visit the following website resources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Panhandle Health
3. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

If you have specific questions, please contact Tim Gerlitz, NIC Student Health Director at 208-769-7794 or Tim.Gerlitz@nic.edu.

North Idaho College will continue to monitor and seek out up-to-date information and implement best practices as we stay focused on protecting the health and safety of our students, employees and their families.

As updates occur, NIC will continue to share information with you. Thank you.